Predevelopment is that early, messy space where infrastructure gaps, needs, priorities, and potential solutions are framed. In the past, this has been a field dominated by technical experts and planners.
To realize a better future, it needs to be a space defined by communities and the intended beneficiaries of our public systems and services.
Translating needs and ideas
into projects
The three main building blocks of predevelopment are vision, capacity, and funding. It is easy to recognize when one or more of these bricks are missing.
Vision.
Capacity.
Funding.
Vision and capacity, but no money? Pretty drawings
Capacity and funding, but no vision for transformation? Business as usual
Funding and vision, but low capacity? Slow and uneven implementation
We firmly believe that a shared vision emerges from asking effective questions, listening deeply, and co-creating ideas for impact. Carrying that vision forward requires capacity, having people and skills in the right combinations, and intentionally building diverse and durable coalitions for action. Funding is all about aligning resources for implementation.
Building the field of
predevelopment
As we work to develop the field of predevelopment, we’ve gathered some resources to share. Read and listen to learn about how your project or organization could benefit from strategically aligning your vision with the necessary capacity and funding for implementation.